I'm mainly going to be using headphones when gaming. So should I just go the E09K route? or the FiiO E17 alone. Or just ART HeadAmp 4.
25065
The E09K is just a headphone amp that has been custom built to accept the E17 like a docking station. The E17 is a D/A converter and sound processor, so you might not need it or want it depending on your intended use.
1232709
Not at all. The Fiio functions as a stand alone headphone amplifier. However, if you choose to combo it with the Fiio E17, you will have a nice, functional DAC/AMP.
342547
Your question seems a bit unorganized but I believe the e17 will benefit but note that some tablets have a bad dac, and pairing it up with an amp will degrade the sound
795606
I have the hifonic 1000w amp, and you cant do 2 so I got stuck with the 4. Ive had them for a while now and they still wang!!! Best bang for your buck, I got them for $32 each so I cant complain but now I want something more.
1017786
Good without amp, but to unlease their full potential, get an amp... You can get the fiio e6 for 27$, and the tiny amp is very portable (It comes with some plastic pieces that you can put on the amp and strap to your belt loop) Or you can just put it in your pocket.
1328970
I hav v modas an their good but ive herd that the ath are better .. the v modas are great with the fiio e6
495818
Colin, I just tried the e18 with both the M7 and m8, and they worked flawlessly. I also tried on the Galaxy s5 and iPhone. It was immediately apparent that the new amp in the M8 does such an outstanding job with the audio as is; you could easily go without the Fiio. The improvement on the S5 and iPhone was significantly more noticeable.
1024206
If you want to take the astro mix amp + pc headset route, i'd recommend the Senn pc360. That seems to be agreed on as the best combo for quality surround sound. Pricey though. Honestly, save money and get the u320's. You'll be happy with the sound.
774523
I would say yes as the Mont Blanc amp is supposed to be fantastic, but I wouldn't buy one just to pair with an X3. The X3's amp is pretty damn solid and I think the difference would be neglagable, unless you're using cans that need a lot of current. Now if you're buying the amp anyways and are going to use it on different devices of course pair it with the X3 ;). I mean the main purpose of the X3 is an awesome sounding all in one device, so you don't have to lug around a seperate amp. I've been the separate amp route and I've spent way, way too much on portable audio stuff - so I appreciate the value and simplicity of the X3. The X3 and a nice mid high end set of iem's is all I need in my portable setup, and my wallet thanks me! Sorry about rambling on lol, there is better sounding gear for sure, but how much do you want to spend and when do you reach the point of deminishing returns? I don't visit sites like head fi anymore, keeps me out of trouble ;) They are always coming out with bigger and better things damn them :)
1353201
Have a listen to the Arcam amps. They are a good match. The Nad line is also a good fit. I am using two nuforce mono blocks and have no complaints. It's worth getting a quality DAC.
1790279
I don't know but I'm using the Fiio E17 and it does a fine job with the HE 400's.In my opinion you definitely need an amp and the FIIO E17 has bass control which makes all the difference. I just want to say that the more I listen to these headphones the more I appreciate them.
1959806
I own this. The V90 is a much better delivery platform for USB and Digital. It is a true DAC. It was also added to the Sterophile List of recommended components.
1603431
Thanks for the replies. Will keep it in mind when I am ready to buy a headphone amp.
2066458
I'm also going to buy a pair for gaming but I will use a headphone amp to drive them. I'm going with a valve amp, (Little Dot mark II, or Bravo Audio V3 that has an equalizer) but any sort of headphone/portable amp should do the trick. A lot of people mention that these headphones only "come to live" with an headphone amp.
2092117
FiiO E6 handles 32 to 64 ohm headphones quite well. I use it with a FiiO L9L line out dock for IPhone and another line out dock for Sony. I am not familiar with your devices but the E6 more than amply boosts and improves the line-out signals from my MP3s. Clarity and musicality vastly improve. I hardly use the output jack of Apple anymore after hearing what the E6 can do. Even the Sony, which has a better headphone output and a graphic equalizer benefits from the E6 boost. Good Luck!!
193622
The E07's main advantage is its portability and its price: you are getting both an amp and a DAC for under a hundred bucks; you'd have to buy both the Magni and the Modi to get that functionality (two hundred bucks) minus the portability, but for truly high-end high-impedance headphones (something with 300-600 ohm impedance) I'm sure the Schiit would provide far more power and sound quality. This Fiio is designed for 100 ohms and under headphones, plus Fiio's general design philosophy seems to be aimed at creating the most widely pleasing sound rather than shooting for the most absolutely neutral, flat, and accurate sound signature that true audiophile gear attempts to provide. The E07's main advantage is its portability and its price: you are getting both an amp and a DAC for under a hundred bucks; you'd have to buy both the Magni and the Modi to get that functionality (two hundred bucks) minus the portability, but for truly high-end high-impedance headphones (something with 300-600 ohm impedance) I'm sure the Schiit would provide far more power and sound quality. This Fiio is designed for 100 ohms and under headphones, plus Fiio's general design philosophy seems to be aimed at creating the most widely pleasing sound rather than shooting for the most absolutely... » Read More The E07's main advantage is its portability and its price: you are getting both an amp and a DAC for under a hundred bucks; you'd have to buy both the Magni and the Modi to get that functionality (two hundred bucks) minus the portability, but for truly high-end high-impedance headphones (something with 300-600 ohm impedance) I'm sure the Schiit would provide far more power and sound quality. This Fiio is designed for 100 ohms and under headphones, plus Fiio's general design philosophy seems to be aimed at creating the most widely pleasing sound rather than shooting for the most absolutely neutral, flat, and accurate sound signature that true audiophile gear attempts to provide. « Show Less
1887780
The best headphone for gaming is hands down the $135 AD700/AD700x. By far. Nothing else comes close. Not even $400+ headphones. I'd honestly be surprised if a $1000k headset could match it.I read that the $200 q701 was a close 2nd. So I tried it. If I didn't know better I would have said the q701 was a $60 headset, and the ad700 was a $1000 in comparison.